The basics:
- Newport celebrates 40 years of waterfront development in Jersey City
- $1 million philanthropy initiative supports 40 local nonprofits
- Organizations can apply for grants Feb. 25–April 10, 2026
- Newport community includes 25 residential buildings, 8 office towers, and active public spaces
Newport is celebrating four decades of transformation and investment along the Jersey City waterfront by giving back to the community.
The Newport Associates Development Co. announced a $1 million philanthropic effort Feb. 25. To mark the effort, the partnership of the LeFrak and Simon families will make contributions to 40 local nonprofits. The grants will range from $10,000 to cornerstone awards of $100,000 or more.
Eligible organizations may apply online between Feb. 25 and April 10, 2026. More information is available at newportnj.com/newport40. The awards reflect the live-work-play neighborhood’s long-standing commitment to the community and continued engagement.
LeFrak Chairman James LeFrak said that dedication has defined Newport since the very beginning. “Investing not only in buildings and public spaces, but in the people and institutions that make a city thrive.”
He noted the latest awards come in addition to ongoing, annual planned giving, “which remains a core part of how we engage in the community.”
Newport helped foster a renaissance along the Hudson River waterfront in now bustling Jersey City. Perhaps difficult to imagine in the present, the project dating to 1986 took more than 600 acres of derelict industrial land to establish a dynamic, engaged 24/7 mixed-use community.
The importance of P3
“At a time when public resources are increasingly strained, partnerships with responsible private sector leaders like Newport are more important than ever,” said Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
The new chief executive said Newport’s anniversary initiative reflects a deep local commitment, as well as “a clear understanding of the moment we’re in. I’m grateful for their continued investment in our community and for stepping up to support the organizations that serve our residents every day.”
Newport supports 20,000 residents, 50,000 workers and welcomes millions of visitors annually, according to Newport Associates Development Co.
The master-planned community comprises 25 residential buildings, eight office towers, two hotels and Newport Centre Mall. For now. Newport began work on 20 Long Slip in 2025, which will add a 47-story luxury rental tower to the mix.
In addition to Manhattan views, the length of the waterfront offers playgrounds, art installations, programming and other amenities. That investment in shared public spaces has helped activate Newport, along with the greater downtown area.
“We’re proud of our long-standing investment in Jersey City, where Newport has created meaningful economic opportunities, inclusive places to gather, and a sense of civic pride. This philanthropy initiative is our way to say thank you to the city and its people,” said David Simon, chairman and CEO of Simon Property Group.
A community catalyst
Newport’s early success helped spur state and regional investments in mass transit infrastructure. Those assets continue to draw residents, investors and employers to the area. Newport also contributed foundational investments in major utilities, paving the way for further development.
Recipients of the anniversary grant program will also receive an invite to the Newport 40th community awards gala, Sept. 24, at the Westin Hotel in Jersey City.
According to Newport, it has generated tens of millions of dollars in local tax revenue, along with hundreds of millions in state tax revenue. And the area continues to serve as an engine, emerging recently has an in-demand location for the state’s growing roster of film and TV productions.
“Newport has demonstrated what is possible when a long-term vision, private investment, and public purpose come together,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy noted Newport’s role as an economic engine: “Newport was the catalyst for Jersey City’s transformation into the modern, thriving city it is today. The visionary investments by LeFrak and Simon helped create a model for sustainable, 21st-century growth.
The post Newport marks 40 years with $1M for Jersey City nonprofits appeared first on NJBIZ.
